German media: Chelsea negotiations for Arsenal-linked Seri at an ‘advanced stage’

Chelsea’s negotiations to sign ‘Arsenal target’ Jean Michael Seri from Nice are at an ‘advanced stage’, according to reports in Germany.

German TV network RTLreport that Chelsea plan to push ahead with their attempts to sign the player, despite uncertainty surrounding the future of Antonio Conte and the managerial situation at the club. Talks are reportedly progressing well and are now at an ‘advanced stage’.

They aren’t the only club after the player though. Borussia Dortmund have also joined the race, according to the German outlet.

Then there’s Arsenal, who the media have linked to Seri for the last few windows. It was one of the ongoing transfer sagas of last summer, before Barcelona took over and eventually messed up the deal.

Sky Sports then reported in mid-May this year that the Gunners had reopened talks with the player’s representatives over a move.

Seri can leave Nice for £35m, provided a club pays his release clause. However, they have to do so before July 15th, at which point the clause expires. Presumably the Ligue 1 side put in the clause to ensure they wouldn’t be forced into selling the player right at the end of the window without any time to replace him.

If Arsenal do want to sign Seri, they therefore need to move fast, for all the reasons above.